Singers who vape?

[KattMamma]

Hubby and I are both musicians who quit smoking and started vaping just over 4 months ago. I barely do a little backup vocals, but hubby is an awesome lead singer.

He told me that he has noticed a definite increase in his vocal range since he quit smoking, but he is having more trouble with vocal control. We suspect this is due to the PG drying out the mucus membranes, but if so, what can be done about it (other than not vaping, which he really doesn't want to do)?

I wondered about going to 100% VG (or close to it), but I'm not aware of a tank and stock coils that handle this very well, and dripping during a gig is not an option.

I also wondered if there is a drink / lozenge / medication / something that can maybe coat his throat to prevent the drying effect.

Surely there are other singers here who have dealt with this and found something that helps?

 

[PisangLaut]

I think just drink a lot of water should work.

 

[puddinman]

Yes, probably a dryness issue. I use Ricola honey lemon drops and that works for me. I also drink plenty of water all the time. I am not a great lead vocalist but I do sing (barely!) on all my original compositions.

Incidentally, as a kid, I almost took up smoking so I could get that sexy rasp in my voice...

 

[KattMamma]

I think just drink a lot of water should work.

Thanks for the suggestion. You would think water would do it .... but no, it doesn't help enough.

The problem with using water is that the gigs are often outdoors in Texas heat, or in clubs where the AC is insufficient on the stage, and between carrying in and setting up the heavy gear plus sitting under those heat lamps (er, stage lights), water just cant keep up. He always sets up wearing a tshirt, then changes his shirt just before starting the performance because the tshirt is SOAKED. This was a slight problem before vaping. It's dramatically worse with vaping.

 

[KattMamma]

Yes, probably a dryness issue. I use Ricola honey lemon drops and that works for me. I also drink plenty of water all the time. I am not a great lead vocalist but I do sing (barely!) on all my original compositions.

Incidentally, as a kid, I almost took up smoking so I could get that sexy rasp in my voice...

He has always kept honey in his arsenal because of the coating effect -- and I'm sure it helps a little, but I'm hoping for something with a bit more... um, staying power??

 

[puddinman]

He has always kept honey in his arsenal because of the coating effect -- and I'm sure it helps a little, but I'm hoping for something with a bit more... um, staying power??

My wife is a doctor. Maybe there's an OTC or prescription I don't know about.

 

[KattMamma]

This was a slight problem before vaping. It's dramatically worse with vaping.

I wasn't clear (no surprise lol).

I meant that dehydration from heat and exertion has always been a problem...

 

[KattMamma]

My wife is a doctor. Maybe there's an OTC or prescription I don't know about.

Something that coats the soft tissues would be ideal, but I'm sure he would consider a pill if there were no bad side effects.

 

[Cullin Kin]

I've noticed a drastic improvement in my tone, and lung capacity since quitting smoking. It's been awesome!

 

[KattMamma]

I've noticed a drastic improvement in my tone, and lung capacity since quitting smoking. It's been awesome!

We've noticed a slight change in tone as well... can't decide if it's better or worse lol, but it is slightly different. And he gained a fair amount of range (already - in just 4 month!! vaping is awesome!)

 

[puddinman]

My wife said the closest thing is Aquoral, which is used to treat dry mouth. Using it for throat issues would be off-label but it might be worth a shot. Only problem is its new and expensive and you need a scrip. It uses glycerol triesters -fat basically- and is a saliva substitute.

Only half joking -maybe a shot of olive oil?

My buddy is a really good singer as well and he uses "Singer's Saving Grace," which he gets from Amazon.
No idea what that is, but I'm going to try it so I can maybe sound like him!

 

[KattMamma]

My wife said the closest thing is Aquoral, which is used to treat dry mouth. Using it for throat issues would be off-label but it might be worth a shot. Only problem is its new and expensive and you need a scrip. It uses glycerol triesters -fat basically- and is a saliva substitute.

Only half joking -maybe a shot of olive oil?

My buddy is a really good singer as well and he uses "Singer's Saving Grace," which he gets from Amazon.
No idea what that is, but I'm going to try it so I can maybe sound like him!

Excellent! I'll have him ask his doc about aquoral.

I just looked up Singer's Saving Grace - I worried that most sprays would be just honey... this is apparently VG and osha root? (I had already wondered about VG - but I thought it would be too short lived to be of any use... hmmm) I'm ordering some to give it a try! THANK YOU!!

 

[PisangLaut]

Thanks for the suggestion. You would think water would do it .... but no, it doesn't help enough.

The problem with using water is that the gigs are often outdoors in Texas heat, or in clubs where the AC is insufficient on the stage, and between carrying in and setting up the heavy gear plus sitting under those heat lamps (er, stage lights), water just cant keep up. He always sets up wearing a tshirt, then changes his shirt just before starting the performance because the tshirt is SOAKED. This was a slight problem before vaping. It's dramatically worse with vaping.

How about a lemon fuse water? Just add 3-4 slice of fresh lemon on a bottle of water and drink as a water when you need it. I hope I can help much, but I'm not a Dr

 

[Kivrin]

I use gum. I don't "chew" it, but use it more like the instructions on nicotine gum, holding it in my cheek outside my teeth. It helps stimulate saliva production.

Vaping has make me feel like I had a vocal cord transplant from a much better singer! And no more frogs that make me have to clear my throat between verses.

 

[KattMamma]

How about a lemon fuse water? Just add 3-4 slice of fresh lemon on a bottle of water and drink as a water when you need it. I hope I can help much, but I'm not a Dr

He uses lemon in his water when he's coming down with a cold - it helps cut the phlegm. Says he hasn't noticed it helping with hydration.

Thank you! I appreciate and will consider all suggestions - even from "non-doctors" lol!

 

[KattMamma]

I use gum. I don't "chew" it, but use it more like the instructions on nicotine gum, holding it in my cheek outside my teeth. It helps stimulate saliva production.

Vaping has make me feel like I had a vocal cord transplant from a much better singer! And no more frogs that make me have to clear my throat between verses.

Hmm.. hadn't considered gum. We both hate gum. But if it helps... I will ask him to give it a try!!

 

[mrcoolbp]

Consider easing back on the vaping in the days/hours leading up to the gig. It's still hot vapor that isn't great for the body. Higher nic might help prevent desire to chain vape. Then you can chain vape when you get off stage

Few more tips you probably already know: room-temp (or better hot/warm) water with honey/lemon (no cold water!). Warm up your voice properly. Don't drink coffee or caffeine in hours before a gig. Caffeine and cold liquid constrict vocal chords. No milk or thick liquids.

 

[Topwater Elvis]

Most of the time and if I have a choice I work outdoors in the summer heat all day long in TX, southern OK, LA, NM, AZ, NV, southern CA.

What works best for me is; I mix 1 32oz bottle of gatoraide and 32oz of water (50/50).
I pour it into empty bottles to make 4 almost full bottles.
I carry a 3 gallon industrial water jug /cooler filled with water and drink 2-4 bottles of water to every bottle of the 50/50 mix. I alternate between plain water & 50/50 so the 50/50 lasts most if not all day.

IMO, The most important thing is to hydrate before exertion or thirst, like drink one bottle of 50/50 on the way to the gig, water while setting up, then another 50/50, then alternate between the 50/50 and water.

Some folks I know that sing swear by the 50/50 mix and sugar free hard candy.
------
The short version is try 50% water 50% gatoraide mix and hydrate before during & after exertion.

 

[Monotremata]

Well I wouldnt call what I do singing, were kind of an angry band that yells and growls alot but I just do the water/honey/lemon thing. And make sure I have a couple of bottles of water on stage. Alcohol dries out my throat too much so that can wait til before and after the gig. Funny thing is, when I was a smoker I had a really mean and low guttural kinda scream that was perfect. Wrote and recorded a new ep last year right around the time I quit smoking and took up vaping and I couldnt do it anymore, my throat just could not take it go figure. It was like all the power left and it just cracked and made me cough doing it. Ended up having to rearrange things and try to actually sing.. Thank god I could cover everything up with lots of vocal effects in the studio haha.

 

[Thespis]

After almost a year, I've added about a half octave on the top. I have more air and better support. I can blend my head and chest voice much more easily.